Work Safe Victoria has introduced a new non-slewing telehandler licence under the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Telehandlers) Regulations 2024.
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The new licence gives operators the choice to undertake training specific to the type of work they will perform. Under the changes, operators of non-slewing telehandlers with a rated capacity greater than three tonnes will have the choice of completing tailored training to obtain the new telehandler licence, or completing a non-slewing mobile crane course and applying for the existing non-slewing crane licence. Executive Director of Health and Safety at WorkSafe, Narelle Beer, said the changes would make sure operators received training specific to their work.
“The new non-slewing telehandler licence will give operators the flexibility to choose the option that is right for the way telehandlers are used within their workplace,” Dr Beer said. “We know telehandlers are increasingly being used in agriculture and, while they are useful additions to many farming businesses, they require the appropriate training and licensing to make sure they are operated safely.”
Other mobile crane high risk work licence (HRWL) classes will continue to be valid for telehandler operation, providing the worker has had appropriate training relevant to the telehandler and any attachment they are operating. The changes to the telehandler licence come after “extensive consultation” with stakeholders and an in-depth safety analysis to understand how telehandlers are being used across industries.
The new licence will not be valid for slewing telehandlers, with workers being able to apply for the licence from July 1, 2024, once the new training package is available through registered training organisations.
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